The West’s response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2014 was insufficient and wrong. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated this in her speech at the summit of the Crimea Platform.
“In 2014, Western countries did not fully understand the scale of what was happening and perhaps hoped that Moscow’s imperialist aspirations would be limited to this. We were wrong and we have to admit it,” Meloni said.
The Italian premier stressed that Russia’s occupation of Crimea was an unconditional violation of international law and an attempt to realize Russia’s aggressive intentions towards the whole of Ukraine.
“Today we stand side by side with you without hesitation. And today we are here to once again emphasize that Russia must stop its aggressive policy and withdraw its troops. We will not tire of working to end the war and achieve a just and lasting peace,” Meloni added.
Meloni assured that Italy will continue to support Ukraine, particularly help in reconstruction.
“The future of Ukraine is the future of peace, freedom and well-being. It is the future of a territorially integrated Ukraine in the common European family. Because your heroic resistance is also our battle for democracy. And your freedom is the freedom of the whole of Europe,” the Prime Minister concluded.
This year, 63 countries are represented at the summit of the Crimea Platform, including countries from Europe and Asia, both Americas and Africa.
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock again condemned Russia’s actions. The President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, said that Ankara does not recognize the annexation of Crimea and has condemned the illegality of this action from the beginning. Estonian President Alar Karis called on all countries to join the Ukrainian “peace formula.” Lithuania and Poland said they demand Russia stop its illegal occupation and annexation of Crimea and respect the rights of its indigenous people.
